ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has approved an additional financing of $130 million to continue supporting farmers in Punjab to use water more efficiently.

The new financing will help in adopting drip and sprinkler systems that will significantly reduce widespread wasteful irrigation techniques.

The loan amount represents additional financing for the first phase of the Punjab Irrigated Agriculture Productivity Improvement Programme (PIAPP), which had an original investment of $250m.

The project has contributed to increased agricultural production, employment and pay, higher living standards and improvements in the environment.

The project supports an initiative by the Punjab government called High-Efficiency Irrigation Systems that more than doubles the efficiency of water use. It is also promoting private-sector participation through the manufacturing and supply of materials.

To get more out of a drop of water in agriculture production, the project aims to raise crop yields, encourage farmers to shift to high-value crops, such as fruits and vegetables and cut the amount of money paid by farmers on fertiliser, pesticides or other costs, the World Bank said.

On approval of the project, World Bank Country Director Illango Patchamuthu said, “A vibrant farm sector can help end poverty in Pakistan. Our support to the Punjab government will spur new opportunities in climate-smart agriculture that bring more money for farmers”.

Under the project, drip irrigation systems have already been installed on about 26,000 acres, and 5,000 laser levelling units have been provided.

The additional financing will ensure the completion of 120,000 acres with ponds in saline areas and for rainwater harvesting, and filtration systems for drinking water where possible.

“The high-efficiency irrigation systems have been critical for making farmers more productive and for creating jobs in installing and maintaining the systems,” said World Bank Lead Water Specialist Masood Ahmad. “A big impact of these technologies is how it gives jobs to women farmers as irrigation becomes a daytime-only activity that is much easier to manage,” he added.

The agriculture sector in Pakistan is heavily depended on irrigation. However, the per capita availability of useable water is decreasing with population growth, pollution and inefficient use of water.

An estimated 40 per cent of water is lost in the unlined watercourses due to seepage, spillage, side leakage and evapotranspiration. In Punjab, out of 59,500 watercourses, about 43,700 were improved in various projects and the government’s national programme for improvement of watercourses.

Under PIAPP, 5,500 new watercourses are being improved, leaving about 10,300 that still need improvements.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2017